2. PREFACE

PREFACE In his Journal entry for August 6, 1755, Wesley wrotee mentioned to the congregation another means of increasing serious religion, which has been frequently practiced by our forefathers and attended with eminent blessing; namely, the oining in a covenant to serve God with all our heart and with all our soul."

Wesley’s first formal Covenant Service was held in the French Church at Spitalfields on August 11, 1755, when he recited the words of that blessed man, Richard Alleine." At the close of that service all the people stood up, in testimony of assent, to the number of about 800 persons. Such a night scarce ever saw before. Surely the fruit of it shall remain forever." The Covenant Service was published as a pamphlet by Wesley in 80 and was used without alteration for nearly a century. The repeated revisions made later have left but the smallest remnants of the original. t is believed that the restoration of large portions of Wesley’s service will bring deeper meaning to the renewing of our covenant with God. t has been abridged and edited especially to this hymnal Hymns of Faith and Life, published by ight and ife ress and Wesley press, 1976 to provide for greater congregational participation. With few exceptions the dignity and the striking phraseology of Wesley’s language, including his numerous scriptural allusions, have been preserved. The service should be a reminder of our condition as sinners, our solemn obligation to reaffirm our covenant relationship with God, and an opportunity for a fresh experience of the reality of God’s promises and presence. A Covenant Service, following John Wesley’s traditional practice, is especially appropriate for watch night or for the first Sunday of the new year and is designed for a complete service of worship.

- The Editors